tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24816477534290433852024-03-05T18:27:42.564-08:00Ming DynastyCortneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614240035929836777noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481647753429043385.post-38901462219057401442010-05-15T07:14:00.001-07:002010-05-15T07:15:39.556-07:00Putting and end to the "R" word. Ending the ignorance.<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/RfMlrTV_5vY&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xd0d0d0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/RfMlrTV_5vY&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xd0d0d0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>Cortneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614240035929836777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481647753429043385.post-82276394650163495232010-01-23T20:41:00.001-08:002010-01-23T20:41:45.725-08:00Art Art<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qpunQZ4cUyI&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qpunQZ4cUyI&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Cortneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614240035929836777noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481647753429043385.post-54086849253707890402009-09-13T06:42:00.001-07:002009-09-13T07:11:00.457-07:00I found an AWESOME new coupon website!!!<a href="http://printable-coupons.blogspot.com/">Printable Coupons</a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-style: italic;">Jamba Juice</span> buy one get one <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">FREE,</span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204); font-style: italic;">Bath and Body</span> works <span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">FREE</span> stuff and <span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">20% off purchase</span>, <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Yankee candle </span>buy one get one<span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);"> FREE</span>, <span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0); font-style: italic;">H&M</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>20% off-one of my new fav stores,15% off <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><span style="font-style: italic;">Express</span>,</span> $15 off at <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0); font-style: italic;">LIMITED</span>, and a TON for<span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);"> <span style="font-style: italic;">New York and Co</span></span>. Enjoy but you need to hurry some of them expire tomorrow<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Shared via <a href="http://addthis.com/">AddThis</a>Cortneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614240035929836777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481647753429043385.post-90903173462452738492009-08-24T05:01:00.000-07:002009-08-24T05:02:37.601-07:00Long time no blog!!<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Well well well<br /></span>Cortneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614240035929836777noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481647753429043385.post-88479698184160849602009-03-25T21:30:00.000-07:002009-03-25T21:42:47.219-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPCRP3lXGzyvMth8EPgxxUzd70I0fC9C-NY-gnVfoWVyxXYlP2JnehJPICa3hOSYqVJ_6AG73cYYFyTsYFVcQtpzjIXs5nuK2Bz3VV6BVTTFHbFrWn4JuedLR0xvTyHuabBQer_KpKiqvI/s1600-h/IMG_6846.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPCRP3lXGzyvMth8EPgxxUzd70I0fC9C-NY-gnVfoWVyxXYlP2JnehJPICa3hOSYqVJ_6AG73cYYFyTsYFVcQtpzjIXs5nuK2Bz3VV6BVTTFHbFrWn4JuedLR0xvTyHuabBQer_KpKiqvI/s320/IMG_6846.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigs4ITAT4OZ7NSIw6vxeiAAKUbynx010A6TcPoH0axtMPFiYvCCc_lAO2SymnVQe4OHXTTu_FjPLOexgsxtn61OC5IFcxUM31UvN3pEu_YbWwcH9mM5p6WAsEviedtBGlnpDAzwk5kPmit/s1600-h/IMG_6847.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigs4ITAT4OZ7NSIw6vxeiAAKUbynx010A6TcPoH0axtMPFiYvCCc_lAO2SymnVQe4OHXTTu_FjPLOexgsxtn61OC5IFcxUM31UvN3pEu_YbWwcH9mM5p6WAsEviedtBGlnpDAzwk5kPmit/s320/IMG_6847.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUx0jlJQ_zp7GOm_pPFq5WlTLAXVL-2RaeTHCmKQ8EkUBc_34w2Um4xfO_BFU7qgzuAveyGKOGgo37f3PEfYMdp1ooWtphd5b_kHxrxPoKCl77wD-bW1jifTlDQylt5V0vqo-0ooDjh7Ur/s1600-h/MVI_6875.jpg"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUx0jlJQ_zp7GOm_pPFq5WlTLAXVL-2RaeTHCmKQ8EkUBc_34w2Um4xfO_BFU7qgzuAveyGKOGgo37f3PEfYMdp1ooWtphd5b_kHxrxPoKCl77wD-bW1jifTlDQylt5V0vqo-0ooDjh7Ur/s320/MVI_6875.jpg" border="0" /></a><div style="clear: both;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Cortneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614240035929836777noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481647753429043385.post-5874653279568352522009-03-25T18:42:00.000-07:002009-03-25T18:42:59.493-07:00Monkey see monkey do...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJGpMNR1O-WGfEgLC-OS2huRs1ekYHy0iTPq8VR_4j8tscIBybqNGRKMGXAT1vFjB9iHX6BlZuabg9Hsb37DIzoYda92qZ7ObE5ShQxQlRbwUNWGq-h_m9dQx0ArfDyvNvT0s2MehSNS9G/s1600-h/IMG_6767.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJGpMNR1O-WGfEgLC-OS2huRs1ekYHy0iTPq8VR_4j8tscIBybqNGRKMGXAT1vFjB9iHX6BlZuabg9Hsb37DIzoYda92qZ7ObE5ShQxQlRbwUNWGq-h_m9dQx0ArfDyvNvT0s2MehSNS9G/s320/IMG_6767.JPG" border="0" /></a>I have been spending more time on the computer lately trying to do my poor blog justice. Ella just climed in my chair the other day and started browsing on her own. She looked pretty comfortable. <br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhupMXQYR6F3rgCEprslRPuyuwDFIYFF_9gLbdsPJEY62vdOyNnXUoclTE7rzY5I-skDCuAgspBfa8BRzz0m1FRz2L5Tes_WMrksp679b2J0_8zB6YUSX_HeekzB7zwavLaM-syUTi2okqw/s1600-h/IMG_6768.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhupMXQYR6F3rgCEprslRPuyuwDFIYFF_9gLbdsPJEY62vdOyNnXUoclTE7rzY5I-skDCuAgspBfa8BRzz0m1FRz2L5Tes_WMrksp679b2J0_8zB6YUSX_HeekzB7zwavLaM-syUTi2okqw/s320/IMG_6768.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pOBaiY8-F5dfMQgZ3Yhyphenhyphenw0rwYzDnDwjRVRTxhCyJhAUvseTdIwtGo6BI2ktmzM2R53nxedO9zEAgFPBJmS1JOZCYfIEXUXYXPyNaBD65eScflCfGHNG-rAA5ZtYUqGK04TiTh-NdRGoZ/s1600-h/IMG_6764.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pOBaiY8-F5dfMQgZ3Yhyphenhyphenw0rwYzDnDwjRVRTxhCyJhAUvseTdIwtGo6BI2ktmzM2R53nxedO9zEAgFPBJmS1JOZCYfIEXUXYXPyNaBD65eScflCfGHNG-rAA5ZtYUqGK04TiTh-NdRGoZ/s320/IMG_6764.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS6bmbyIZneiP07IeTVfcOFuEaIqxomylZ7-iJsvlLr8B0137LpKdCB3NAtd0u8v2429MM9MwtmLqQsYc4gxs646vOlhg5Vj0rrgEPkwyOAVbAsk91Gefdg1fAsdcDlFcn6u4quLpJH6YL/s1600-h/IMG_6775.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS6bmbyIZneiP07IeTVfcOFuEaIqxomylZ7-iJsvlLr8B0137LpKdCB3NAtd0u8v2429MM9MwtmLqQsYc4gxs646vOlhg5Vj0rrgEPkwyOAVbAsk91Gefdg1fAsdcDlFcn6u4quLpJH6YL/s320/IMG_6775.JPG" border="0" /></a><div style="clear: both;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Cortneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614240035929836777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481647753429043385.post-17511804340362604982009-03-25T18:25:00.000-07:002009-03-25T18:25:44.801-07:00Ella on pottyCheck this big girl out!! 15mo and she wants to be like sissy.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJzwBQVFkMUNm0a_88Jx1q72Mx1ONjQQoE447UbGJzkMAIst_vgmZGKpf2PQ2QqWDMhmYd2K_V3MpM1Xmtxnfs34NTUNBYZeyIaXfSdgfEWjtBQy3xZc0e6wd1ViYCIpbhsQVWWxayX7Of/s1600-h/IMG_6806.JPG"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJzwBQVFkMUNm0a_88Jx1q72Mx1ONjQQoE447UbGJzkMAIst_vgmZGKpf2PQ2QqWDMhmYd2K_V3MpM1Xmtxnfs34NTUNBYZeyIaXfSdgfEWjtBQy3xZc0e6wd1ViYCIpbhsQVWWxayX7Of/s160/IMG_6806.JPG" border="0" /></a> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-AoBR5mVN7oxgBr_E5MH85wBOKrA0s3ApNjsbRYlmm8UOMvMxRaJEd1KHJnrd1cnggTY0tScIXUvvgZhyphenhyphen-yuZnU08XsGAONwbN_Q9uspr_YekK9aHnqaESRUJhTl3BVPVUUO7a5s91BmA/s1600-h/IMG_6808.JPG"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-AoBR5mVN7oxgBr_E5MH85wBOKrA0s3ApNjsbRYlmm8UOMvMxRaJEd1KHJnrd1cnggTY0tScIXUvvgZhyphenhyphen-yuZnU08XsGAONwbN_Q9uspr_YekK9aHnqaESRUJhTl3BVPVUUO7a5s91BmA/s160/IMG_6808.JPG" border="0" /></a> <br />check out that wad of TP..<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcX2Zm7WNBn2V-A4J0PE_8iO1q907eqowDbza614c7OkyObYIR645OYFWyam8Lyo5_FGUPvfXqh-5X5pXOWn8bjsSL6ki6uMyvo_N_XoD9QtRHerh7hBhRVmlwU6kAwROmXCoJTxYc4QQh/s1600-h/IMG_6809.JPG"><img style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcX2Zm7WNBn2V-A4J0PE_8iO1q907eqowDbza614c7OkyObYIR645OYFWyam8Lyo5_FGUPvfXqh-5X5pXOWn8bjsSL6ki6uMyvo_N_XoD9QtRHerh7hBhRVmlwU6kAwROmXCoJTxYc4QQh/s160/IMG_6809.JPG" border="0" /></a> Yes, that is her blankie on the floor next to her.<div style='clear:both; text-align:LEFT'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Cortneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614240035929836777noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481647753429043385.post-58511037684340136712009-03-25T11:20:00.000-07:002009-03-25T12:47:06.920-07:00Gluten Free Wednesday Meal<center><a href="http://www.glutenfreehomemaker.com/%22%20target=" _blank=""></a><center><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3C/a%3E%3Ca%20href=" com="" 22=""><br /></a></center></center><br /><br />I am so excited to be finding all of these great new resources out there in Blogger land. I am going to try to get a photo up later of the Gluten Free (GF) meal that I just made for lunch. Nolan must have the camera. It was so yummy...<br /><br />I just made it up so not sure what to call it. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Fish & Brown Rice</span> I guess. I have made it many different ways many times and it is always a hit with everyone. Ella (16 mo.) even loved it today.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /> <span style="font-family: arial;">Fish & Brown Rice</span></span><br /> 5 servings of salmon, or and fish will work.<br /> 2 c. brown rice<br /> 1 c. frozen chopped spinach, thawed & drained<br /><br /> Cook the salmon in oven according to package directions. I place a small dab of coconut oil in <br /> the pan under each piece of salmon. While salmon is cooking boil rice. I defrost the spinach<br /> in the microwave, but stove top will also work.<br /><br /> While everything is cooking I make a sauce. I usually eyeball it, next time I will measure and <br /> let you know exact amounts.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Salmon Sauce</span><br /><br /> 1/3 c. Ketchup (make sure its GF-no soy sauce added)<br /> 3 T. Honey<br /> 1 T. Plain yellow mustard<br /><br />You can test the amounts of each that work best for your preference. You just want to make sure it stays red and is not to sweet from the honey. At the same time staying thicker because of the honey.<br /><br /><br />This can be served a few ways. For the younger kiddos I <span style="font-weight: bold;">mix it all together</span> so they can't sort out and avoid all the "green stuff" Although all three of my girls have eaten this for years with no complaints.<br /><br />For Nolan and I, I mix only the rice & spinach and top it with a solid piece of salmon. Then I drizzle it with the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Salmon Sauce</span>.<br /><br /><br /><br /> ***another variation is to use frozen garlic & herb cod and there is no need to make a sauce!!<br /> ***a little sprinkle of shredded cheddar is always nice also!!<br /><br /><br />This is a quick option when I don't have anything planned for dinner. As I always try to have Brown rice, frozen spinach, & frozen salmon on hand. And who doesn't always have ketchup & honey in the pantry?! Total cooking time is prob 25min. depending on thickness of Salmon.Cortneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614240035929836777noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481647753429043385.post-2421407779798187592009-03-24T11:58:00.000-07:002009-03-24T12:02:27.036-07:00Blog networking<span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);"><span style="font-family: courier new;">Check this out....</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: courier new;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);"></span></span><a href="http://www.5minutesformom.com/5808/ultimate-blog-party-2009/"><img src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k210/5m4m/buttons/events/ubg1.gif" title="Ultimate Blog Party 2009" alt="Ultimate Blog Party 2009" /></a>Cortneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614240035929836777noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481647753429043385.post-72256339302571589782009-03-23T14:29:00.000-07:002009-03-23T14:32:50.409-07:00Redbox codes<p style="margin: 1em 0pt 3px; line-height: 115%;"><a rel="nofollow" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;" target="_blank" href="http://feedproxy.google.com/%7Er/Becentsable/%7E3/LC_M8n65o_Q/redbox-free-movie-monday-3-23-09.html"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1237843503_1"><br /></span></a></p><p style="margin: 1em 0pt 3px; line-height: 115%;"><a rel="nofollow" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px;" target="_blank" href="http://feedproxy.google.com/%7Er/Becentsable/%7E3/LC_M8n65o_Q/redbox-free-movie-monday-3-23-09.html"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1237843503_1">RedBox Free Movie Monday 3-23-09</span></a> </p> <p style="margin: 9px 0pt 3px; color: rgb(85, 85, 85); font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 140%; font-size: 12px;"> <span>I am going out now to pick up Liv and I will try this and let you know if it works!!<br /></span></p> <em><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"></span></em><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VQxbrtEWTHpAHjXB-xc13VKcEJ3y5Q7Gm1-E5Cu_u-0YdmjSYuxRKLDwgFtfE7000S7_ly6Ax6GFyNwDgm32iifRCUQtKHwFmu_F2McCfylXPgQ6sJIcxzFOnNu8WNJWWM2NoYdaeAs/s1600-h/red-box.gif"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 192px; height: 123px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VQxbrtEWTHpAHjXB-xc13VKcEJ3y5Q7Gm1-E5Cu_u-0YdmjSYuxRKLDwgFtfE7000S7_ly6Ax6GFyNwDgm32iifRCUQtKHwFmu_F2McCfylXPgQ6sJIcxzFOnNu8WNJWWM2NoYdaeAs/s400/red-box.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313832233072463202" border="0" /></a></p><span><br />Today's code is:</span><strong> </strong><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"></span><strong style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"></strong><strong style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">HG7W56</strong><span>. It expires tonight at midnight. </span><br /><br /><span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">You can also try the following codes if you are new to RedBox or have not redeemed them in the past.</span></span><span><br /><br />DVDATWAG - <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1237843503_2">Walgreen</span>'s stores</span><br /><br />REDBOX (first time customers)<br /><p><span>DVDONME</span></p><p><span>BREAKROOM</span></p><p><span>GEFREEZ3 - <span style="border-bottom: medium none; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; cursor: pointer; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1237843503_3">Giant Eagle</span> Store Kiosks<br /></span></p><p><span>3FREZER5 - </span><span>Giant Eagle Store Kiosks</span></p> <span></span><hr />Cortneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614240035929836777noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481647753429043385.post-5162767939512705392009-03-20T19:39:00.000-07:002009-03-20T20:06:57.502-07:00An email I recieved today...<span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:10;" > <div style="color: rgb(206, 145, 47); letter-spacing: 3px;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:14pt;" align="center"><span style="color: rgb(206, 145, 47);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:14;" ><b><span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; cursor: pointer; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1237602965_0"><br /><br />Special Olympics</span> "Joke" Reminds Us That Our Work Is Not Done</b></span></div> <div> </div> <div>NOTE: In sending this message, I do not intend to make a political statement about our President, his personality, his policies, or his administration. I do intend to spread a general message encouraging respect and appreciation towards <span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1237602965_1">individuals with disabilities</span>. </div> <div> </div> <div>As has always been the case, the purpose of <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102515490640&e=001dSJ2RcGSy_GgQ_fIiyeU1bljwrUDCgn_BGe-BGJBytQ_e9y4_CcTyLm_kLCOBIc1Ry0B_s-xGV-Dsw72uXtjXbtY_vZgZaqyIMr6cqcVn0xgpoTH5vOjFg=="><span style="color: rgb(153, 102, 0);"><strong><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1237602965_2">On the <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Same</span> Team</span></strong></span></a> is to inform parents and educators about disability-related and <span style="border-bottom: medium none; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; cursor: pointer; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1237602965_3">special education issues</span> in an unbiased and nonpartisan manner. I hope that you receive this message in the spirit in which I intend it.<br /><br /></div> <div> </div></span> <table id="content_LETTER.BLOCK3" style="margin-bottom: 6px;" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:10pt;" align="left" valign="top"><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:10;" > </span><div style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68); letter-spacing: 1px;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:10pt;" align="left"> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:10;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong>I am the very proud mother of a Special Olympic athlete. Anyone who knows me as a friend, family member or even acquaintance is aware of my daughter's recent participation in the Illinois Regional Special Olympic Swim Meet. The day was one of the most memorable of my life. For days on end, I gushed about it to anyone who would listen. </strong></span></span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:10;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong></strong></span> </span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:10;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong>I will never forget the emotions of the day. The pride I felt was unlike anything I had ever experienced. As my daughter prepared to compete in her first event, I was overwhelmed with bittersweet thoughts and memories of her first ten years of life. </strong></span></span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:10;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong></strong></span> </span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:10;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong>I remembered the day we saw her have her first of what would be many <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1237602965_4">epileptic seizures</span>. </strong></span> </span><div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong></strong></span> </span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong>I recalled the terror I initially felt in letting my daughter with <span style="border-bottom: medium none; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; cursor: pointer; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1237602965_5">epilepsy</span> even enter a body of water, fearing she would have a seizure and drown. </strong></span></span></div></div></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong></strong></span> </span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong>I thought of the doctor who claimed that "based on the data," she would never be able to swim.</strong></span></span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong></strong></span> </span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong>I thought of the countless hours my daughter spent in a pool, working to master freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly in spite of her <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1237602965_6">learning disabilities</span>. </strong></span> </span><div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong></strong></span> </span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong>I also recalled her subsequently having to re-learn each of those strokes, because a seizure episode "erased" the strokes from her memory. </strong></span></span></div></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong></strong></span> </span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong>I thought of the private <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1237602965_7">Swim Club</span> that - upon learning of her epilepsy - protested her participation and made me sign specially-drafted liability waivers in order to let her participate. </strong></span></span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong></strong></span> </span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong>I thought of her little legs shaking on the starting block before her very first race. </strong></span></span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong></strong></span> </span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong>I thought of her mouth filling with water as she swam, because of the bright, wide smile that spread across her face. </strong></span></span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong></strong></span> </span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong>I thought of the neighborhood Swim Team teammate who told her she swam too slow. </strong></span> </span><div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong></strong></span> </span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong>And I thought of her friend who valiantly defended her!</strong></span></span></div></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong></strong></span> </span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong>I thought about how she has worked harder to learn simple things, than most people have to work to master the most complex things. I marveled at her strength, determination, and grit. </strong></span></span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong></strong></span> </span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong>I felt honored to KNOW her, let alone be her mother.</strong></span></span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong></strong></span> </span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong>Just participating in the events is a tremendous accomplishment. All of the athletes are winners. I spent the day awestruck at my good fortune to be a spectator at this very special event.</strong></span></span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong></strong></span> </span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong>On that particular day, my daughter earned two gold medals. I wept, overwhelmed by the joy, pride and emotions involved. </strong></span></span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong></strong></span> </span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong>That afternoon, I sent hundreds of emails to friends, neighbors, family members, colleagues and acquaintences, recounting the joy, excitement and pride of the day. I immediately posted a photo album on my <span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1237602965_8">Facebook</span> page. I wore my Special Olympics t-shirt for several consecutive days! I have never bragged so much in my life, as I did in the days that followed that meet. I jokingly told my friends to refer to me from then on as "Mrs. Phelps."</strong></span></span></div> <div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong></strong></span> </span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong>That day was a day of validation for my daughter and her fellow athletes. In a world where <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1237602965_9">people with disabilities</span> often have to struggle daily, the Special Olympics provided the athletes with an opportunity to share their abilities proudly! And the athletes shined brighter than any gold medal. </strong></span></span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong></strong></span> </span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong>My daughter and I are not alone. We are merely two among the countless people who believe that people who know just how hard people with disabilities - Special Olympics atheletes or not - work each and every day. And we are merely two among the countless people who believe that ALL people are worthy of respect and dignity. </strong></span></span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong></strong></span> </span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong>The message I convey today is one of love and respect. Here it is:</strong></span></span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong></strong></span> </span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><strong><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><u>We must discourage the use of comments, jokes and "insults" that mock or disparage people with disabilities. We must encourage others to value and respect individuals with special needs.</u> </span></strong></span></span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong></strong></span> </span></div></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong>We all know that some individuals with disabilities are very effective advocates for themselves and their rights. </strong></span></span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong></strong></span> </span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong>We also know that many individuals with disabilities - by virtue of those very disabilities - are unable to speak up for themselves. </strong></span></span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong></strong></span> </span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong>When this is the case, I believe that it becomes OUR responsibility to do it for them. We - the parents, siblings, relatives, neighbors, and educators of people with disabilities - are the voice for the voiceless. Safeguarding their honor is our responsibility. More importantly, it is our PRIVILEGE.</strong></span></span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong></strong></span> </span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong>Please - help me reach out to everyone who may think that it is "okay" to make fun of people with disabilities. While I certainly do not share Jay Leno's access to millions of viewers, I do have faith in humanity. I am a hopeful person. I believe that - through you - we can certainly make a positive impact upon the public perception and treatment of people with disabilities.</strong></span></span></div> <div> <div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong></strong></span> </span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong>I sent out this request about a year ago, and I am repeating the request now.</strong></span></span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong></strong></span> </span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong><u>First</u>, please email everyone in your address book, asking them to refrain from using the "R" word and other disparaging comments and "jokes" about people with disabilities. </strong></span></span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong></strong></span> </span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong><u>Second</u>, if you overhear someone making a comment that criticizes people with disabilities, please educate them on the offensiveness of such language. It takes a few moments - and some guts - but you can make a positive impact upon the world. At the end of the day, you will know that you have been the voice for the voiceless. </strong></span></span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong></strong></span> </span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong>Thank you very much for reading this message. </strong></span></span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong></strong></span> </span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong>And thank you in advance for <u>spreading</u> this message.</strong></span></span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong></strong></span> </span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong>Peace to you and those you love.</strong></span></span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong></strong></span> </span></div></div></div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" ><strong> </strong></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table> <span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" > <div style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:10pt;" align="left"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><b><span style="color: rgb(153, 102, 0);">On the <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 204);">Same </span>Team</span></b></span></div> <div><span style="color: rgb(109, 84, 68);font-family:Comic Sans MS,Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:100%;" >Maureen Lowry-Fritz, J.D., M.A.</span></div> <div><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102515490640&e=001dSJ2RcGSy_GgQ_fIiyeU1bljwrUDCgn_BGe-BGJBytQ_e9y4_CcTyLm_kLCOBIc1Ry0B_s-xGV-Dsw72uXtjXbtY_vZgZaqyIMr6cqcVn0xgpoTH5vOjFg=="><span style="color: rgb(153, 102, 0);"><strong><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1237602965_10">www.onthe<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 204);">same</span>team.org</span></strong></span></a><br /><br /><br /></div> <div> </div> <div> </div></span>Cortneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614240035929836777noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481647753429043385.post-49578876621961997142009-03-19T15:26:00.000-07:002009-03-20T19:48:57.002-07:00Livs' new hair cut<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_p0iTNMesXlX4vDcZEfY8UD2K-U1qvzPoDhLckPyUKtQwZJsm62sZ_w2yVntXR6bYgtgiEaHBP5POHebpfG95HzCxHS-ALCHQGtSwo3orumAXleWsZ1pbxu2pI2n_cCqXfNPRyxfqGjJ/s1600-h/IMG_6792.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; clear: both; float: left;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_p0iTNMesXlX4vDcZEfY8UD2K-U1qvzPoDhLckPyUKtQwZJsm62sZ_w2yVntXR6bYgtgiEaHBP5POHebpfG95HzCxHS-ALCHQGtSwo3orumAXleWsZ1pbxu2pI2n_cCqXfNPRyxfqGjJ/s320/IMG_6792.JPG" border="0" /></a> Liv wanted highlights, actually lowlights she just called them highlights, and a hair cut. It was very emotional for me. She is growing up and caring about being in style. I am very proud of her being able to voice her opinions and going after what she wants.<br /><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Cortneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614240035929836777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481647753429043385.post-5660474774654775422009-03-19T14:52:00.000-07:002009-03-19T14:54:07.564-07:00Trying to be Grateful<b>Grumbling or Grateful?</b> <i>Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise (Ps 100:4).</i> A lot of people manufacture their own misery because they fail to be grateful.Cortneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614240035929836777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481647753429043385.post-54951231124232385692009-03-18T16:01:00.000-07:002009-03-18T16:07:30.798-07:00Some new featuresI am going to try out Ads on the blog. I guess if someone clicks on an ad from my blog I could earn money. There is a motivator to keep up with the blog maybe. We'll see. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think.<br /><br /><br />Also a feature that I am excited about is the followers. I am going to try not to use it as an ego boaster, but I think it would be great to know who actually reads this. I already had some followers and didn't even know it!! Who's next?Cortneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614240035929836777noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481647753429043385.post-86285583755159885752008-10-11T20:02:00.000-07:002008-10-12T19:38:34.889-07:00Fun at the pumpkin patch<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngJLSFGPRh4JtBMs4CwEgvtRFWcw5pBvMnnee60Ar_oKABjG04dzJvnJ7a2dRiaa3dnW7pcEVTj9fvPLOYf2gIEW2DvHNK3qAwj6hlcUwDz6kdmaSd2MSkdgVkBlzOkxNH8kOr3NI41dp/s1600-h/IMG_4603.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; clear: both; float: left;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngJLSFGPRh4JtBMs4CwEgvtRFWcw5pBvMnnee60Ar_oKABjG04dzJvnJ7a2dRiaa3dnW7pcEVTj9fvPLOYf2gIEW2DvHNK3qAwj6hlcUwDz6kdmaSd2MSkdgVkBlzOkxNH8kOr3NI41dp/s320/IMG_4603.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a><br />Nolan found a worm under the pumpkins and Anna was having nothing to do with it. Look at her hands in this shot. Can't you just hear her, "No daddy, no no!"<br /><br /></div>Cortneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614240035929836777noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481647753429043385.post-15219904490959432002008-10-11T19:56:00.000-07:002008-10-12T19:39:25.806-07:00My three girls<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdZlZVN9vI3G_nHnnsH2AaM_to7PYf9jeLroXYXOlrUdIZ6iTMxZTEcS1K-arSp_omUmhvVNtnHzRSQXXzqbG9jG-_L9K3bWIv4NLVGy4_kcyGoD00fGTVXnW_honP2UCp-HMGHciA7qX/s1600-h/IMG_4354.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdZlZVN9vI3G_nHnnsH2AaM_to7PYf9jeLroXYXOlrUdIZ6iTMxZTEcS1K-arSp_omUmhvVNtnHzRSQXXzqbG9jG-_L9K3bWIv4NLVGy4_kcyGoD00fGTVXnW_honP2UCp-HMGHciA7qX/s320/IMG_4354.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I love this shot of the three of them.<br /><br /></div>Cortneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614240035929836777noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481647753429043385.post-41249862101378566102008-10-01T20:31:00.000-07:002008-10-01T21:24:39.995-07:00<span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);"> One of the reasons I took such a long blog break is that I realize this is just a glimpse into our lives. I want to put out there only the positive parts. But one of the things I have realized over the last two years of following other blogs is that the ones that I keep going back to and can relate to are the ones that just post what truly happened that day and how they are feeling at that moment. Having a child with special needs, is no different than having any other child in the sense that each day, each moment some days, is such a learning process. I am so thankful to all of the parents that post authentically and let me be a part of their journey. <br /><br /> So with that little disclaimer out of the way I am choosing to post as authentically as possible with out trying to sensor our experiences so that you think we are normal, or well adjusted, or sane for that matter. Because if you know us as a family already you know that there is no chance we could pull that off. :-) <br /><br /> The suggested guidelines of <span style="font-weight: bold;">31 for 21 </span>are to post about Down syndrome as it is in relation to your life. With the hopes that when the term is googled a blog about an awesome person, who happens to have Down syndrome will come up. Oh how I wish this would have been the case for us 7yrs ago. I have been so inspired by the children and families in the blogs that I follow. I have a list of them to the right. Please if you have the time someday, check them out. The most awesome thing about all of them is that, yes we all have Down syndrome in common. But that is often where the similarities end. We are all unique families with <span style="font-weight: bold;">unique children</span>. O.K. I have to post this now so that it counts on Oct. 1st.<br /></span>Cortneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614240035929836777noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481647753429043385.post-26999579239110207592008-09-30T20:32:00.000-07:002008-09-30T21:15:35.213-07:0031 for 21<a href="http://unringingthebell.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/0/the-2ndannual.html"><img src="http://unringingthebell.typepad.com/31for21button.jpg" alt="Get It Down; 31 for21" style="border: medium none ; width: 125px; height: 60px;" /></a><br /><br />I have been wanting to get back to my blog again and this is a great incentive. Blogging everyday of October. It is Down syndrome awareness month. The 21 is in reference to the 21st chromosome which is tripled in 95% of people who have Down syndrome, aka <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tri</span>somy 21. The other 5% of people have either translocation, or mosaic Down syndrome. I will post more about the differces on another day.Cortneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614240035929836777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481647753429043385.post-76750542174433344792008-03-14T12:06:00.000-07:002008-10-12T19:40:21.197-07:00Anna's new hair cut<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScinsqmny7k8AWpbR26lpvJnKbI_xuOnZCD8JtlI-upY0UYryI2N5QYQiGizaD_-9WEwmEQ-GyK0rLeZ7uwmlKFsJPYhEm2LbwvIDf79NccYVj8vgxV0PG7ZyqrjhnwtPEpEFfCB8RrFn/s1600-h/jan.o8+051.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScinsqmny7k8AWpbR26lpvJnKbI_xuOnZCD8JtlI-upY0UYryI2N5QYQiGizaD_-9WEwmEQ-GyK0rLeZ7uwmlKFsJPYhEm2LbwvIDf79NccYVj8vgxV0PG7ZyqrjhnwtPEpEFfCB8RrFn/s320/jan.o8+051.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Cortneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614240035929836777noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481647753429043385.post-12718131827918196242008-03-11T11:36:00.000-07:002008-10-12T19:41:18.780-07:00<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPG74M9pa0j8OWBRGJ5XeXeqkJAz-_qOgvPwZDKb32g0Fsd4W7Ax61HpdCkHEBgl6M0h7rKmIG4zkyfAsfV9l3NEBCdL9A5C5QqUAHAuRECqG7zxV8FS_CH0laK3I2BHluro22tizODi-/s1600-h/IMG_0657.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPG74M9pa0j8OWBRGJ5XeXeqkJAz-_qOgvPwZDKb32g0Fsd4W7Ax61HpdCkHEBgl6M0h7rKmIG4zkyfAsfV9l3NEBCdL9A5C5QqUAHAuRECqG7zxV8FS_CH0laK3I2BHluro22tizODi-/s320/IMG_0657.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a><br />Hey Raych,did I ever show you this pic? I miss you guys and I am ready for summer.<br /><br /></div>Cortneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614240035929836777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481647753429043385.post-4704572730604148762008-03-11T11:09:00.000-07:002008-03-11T11:18:19.177-07:00The real reason I decided to start blogging...http://www.blurb.com/create/book/blogbook?tag=1_sf I hope adding this link works. If not you can cut and paste it. It is an awesome site that turns your blog into a book! Another million dollar idea I thought of to late. :-) I love to scrapbook but I am a little bit of a perfectionist about it and don't often get much accomplished aside from setting all of my supplies out and getting organized. There are a lot of blogs that do digital scrapbooking. It looks just like a scrapbook page but it is done on the computer. That is the next thing I want to learn, after I get the hang of blogging.Cortneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614240035929836777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481647753429043385.post-91020746020310818752008-03-07T14:55:00.000-08:002008-03-07T14:56:06.727-08:00<div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center">One of my favorite pictures of all of the girls<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAtaBeix2jnCfni65GXWtYQcuZ_SxubVh2LJf5lXJa0e2OeSTgiulrDEFvYW82_bIiku3pa6vqsUANnBko3uKLChaWbxNmnA8xyIxJVxWmk6O06Yp54ikbnImLRADJqiAtAt1U38GD_Mn/s1600-h/PICT2283.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAtaBeix2jnCfni65GXWtYQcuZ_SxubVh2LJf5lXJa0e2OeSTgiulrDEFvYW82_bIiku3pa6vqsUANnBko3uKLChaWbxNmnA8xyIxJVxWmk6O06Yp54ikbnImLRADJqiAtAt1U38GD_Mn/s320/PICT2283.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Cortneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614240035929836777noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481647753429043385.post-43144142302982846202008-03-07T14:47:00.000-08:002008-03-07T14:47:20.261-08:00Our most current family photo. Dec. 07<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7RlBJhGq_9nDHAK1QmiLv_LFpv51PeW6_faopIq8GJhnJsFFdEzm4REOPPODk5ajT6wa3ksfdmQ0gPvgoZJA-qHrL6GdYR0YrenE1_BN8Ueb_6pOEFBs_Fxg1qOwWt67I7uYuN0xM7R9X/s1600-h/Christmas+pic.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7RlBJhGq_9nDHAK1QmiLv_LFpv51PeW6_faopIq8GJhnJsFFdEzm4REOPPODk5ajT6wa3ksfdmQ0gPvgoZJA-qHrL6GdYR0YrenE1_BN8Ueb_6pOEFBs_Fxg1qOwWt67I7uYuN0xM7R9X/s320/Christmas+pic.JPG" border="0" /></a><div style='clear:both; text-align:LEFT'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Cortneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614240035929836777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481647753429043385.post-64861852084229918442008-03-07T14:30:00.000-08:002008-03-07T14:30:17.870-08:00This is a test picture of Liv & Ella. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFfPBUP5Wv-PzFge9HJx__Ditxw_6wy46XjnyAwudTZVEMYeNn6cwNfvb7p8NDU3H9FrWAkVxQ7wc6cOdjMEKDg4-4tMHi2ahDSWQlAaZiW0bA3jW-CoOw_pzyM9jy-Ivh1jQTMBYKtF_U/s1600-h/IMG_1694.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="CLEAR: both; FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFfPBUP5Wv-PzFge9HJx__Ditxw_6wy46XjnyAwudTZVEMYeNn6cwNfvb7p8NDU3H9FrWAkVxQ7wc6cOdjMEKDg4-4tMHi2ahDSWQlAaZiW0bA3jW-CoOw_pzyM9jy-Ivh1jQTMBYKtF_U/s320/IMG_1694.JPG" border="0" /></a><div style='clear:both; text-align:LEFT'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Cortneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614240035929836777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2481647753429043385.post-31557803881414870182008-03-06T20:21:00.000-08:002008-03-07T08:24:36.364-08:00Jumping into Blogging<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">This is my first official post. I hope I am able to get this up and running like I am invisioning. I am having trouble posting pictures and Nolan is heading to bed, so I will have to have Dad help me when he stops by tomorrow. :-)<br /></span></span>Cortneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16614240035929836777noreply@blogger.com4